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New WCC appointments reflect strong global fellowship

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has made new staff appointments during 2024, including three new commission directors. WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay warmly greeted them as they began to serve in their particular ministries.

What can churches do to prevent modern slavery?

Jackline Makena Mutuma is a clergy with the Methodist Church in Kenya and a student at the World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, where her current research is related to the intersection of modern-day slavery and global warming. She was also recently elected as one of the vice moderators of the WCC Commission on Faith and Order. In a WCC interview, she reflects on the urgent issue of preventing modern slavery.

"True Freedom” webinar

18 January 2024

On 18 January, the World Council of Churches (WCC) and The Clewer Initiative will co-host a webinar on combating modern slavery. The event introduces “True Freedom,” a newly launched Lent resource designed to empower churches, organisations, and individuals in the fight against modern slavery.

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"True Freedom” webinar: a call to action against modern slavery

On 18 January, the World Council of Churches (WCC) and The Clewer Initiative will co-host a webinar on combating modern slavery. The event introduces “True Freedom,” a newly launched Lent resource designed to empower churches, organisations, and individuals in the fight against modern slavery.

WCC general secretary met with Cuban president

In a visit to Cuba from 17-19 December, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay met with Cuban president Miguel Díaz-Canel at the Palacio de las Convenciones in Havana. I was deeply impressed with our heart-to-heart meeting with the president of Cuba,” expressed Pillay.

Rev. Serge Fornerod reflects on crossroads of personal faith, professional life

Rev. Serge Fornerod is a former World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee, a member of the Green Village steering committee, and the new president of the FAP Foundation for Reformed Churches. He recently published a book, Les Fornerod, une famille au service de l’Église” that details the intersection of his personal faith and professional life[1].

True Freedom

A New Global Course for Lent 2024
Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata
Bishop Alastair Redfern
Frederique Seidel
Caroline Virgo
Claire Walford

A new global resource from The World Council of Churches and The Clewer Initiative, True Freedom is a six-week course for Lent. It draws on themes from the book of Galatians and encourages individuals and churches to respond to modern slavery in their communities.

True Freedom includes:

  • A short Bible study on the book of Galatians
  • A reflection written by Revd Dr Kenneth Mtata and Bishop Alastair Redfern
  • Questions for group discussion or personal reflection
  • Case studies from churches around the world
  • Information and statistics about modern slavery
  • Artwork to contemplate and discuss

True Freedom is available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Dutch 

WCC institute encouraged rethinking theology

The second-ever Regional Ecumenical Theological Institute, jointly organized by the All Africa Conference of Churches and the World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Theological Education programme, was held 7-16 November in Abuja, Nigeria, drawing about 50 young people from all over Africa.

A Guide for Churches on the Prevention of Obstetric Fistula

WCC Human Rights programme

This guide aims to raise awareness in churches and church communities of the catastrophic condition of obstetric fistula—a childbirth injury usually caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without timely medical intervention. Obstetric fistula can have devastating physical, emotional, and economic consequences for women and can even result in permanent disability.

It introduces readers to obstetric fistula and explains why churches need to be concerned. It discusses how churches can help prevent the condition from occurring in the women in their congregations and local communities. It also offers practical and emotional support and encouragement to those who are suffering with obstetric fistula. Finally, this guide outlines the advocacy work being done and suggests some actions churches can take.

Available for download in English, Portuguese, and Malagasy.

German Protestant Kirchentag opens in Nuremberg

With the topics of the war in Ukraine and climate protection as the focal points, the 38th German Protestant Kirchentag takes place in Nuremberg, Germany from 7 to 11 June. The World Council of Churches’ presence in the Kirchentag’s exhibition space Market of Opportunities” (hall 9, stand 9-C32) enables lively encounters and an opportunity to learn more about the ecumenical movement.